Chinese gau, also known as Chinese steamed rice cakes, is a popular dessert in Chinese cuisine. This traditional delicacy is made with simple ingredients and has a soft, chewy texture that makes it a favorite among many. Not only is it delicious, but it also holds cultural significance as it is often served during special occasions such as Chinese New Year. In this article, we will dive deeper into the history and recipe of Chinese gau, so you can try making it at home and experience the taste of this classic Chinese dessert.
Main Ingredients: Chinese Broccoli, Yellow Onion, Brown Mushrooms
If you're looking for a flavorful and healthy side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, look no further than Chinese Broccoli with Mushrooms, also known as Gau Lon. This dish combines the earthy flavors of broccoli and mushrooms with a savory garlic sauce, making it the perfect accompaniment to your juicy chicken. To add a little crunch, try sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
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Chinese Steamed Rice Cake (bai Tang Gau)
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Water, Yeast, Warm Water, Sugar, Oil
For a unique and delicious dessert to go with your beer can chicken, try making Chinese Steamed Rice Cake, also known as bai Tang Gau. This light and fluffy cake is made with coconut milk and pandan leaves, giving it a delicate and sweet flavor. It's the perfect way to end your meal on a high note.
No Chinese meal is complete without a classic dish of Orange Chicken. This sweet and tangy chicken dish is made with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and honey, creating a flavorful glaze that will have your taste buds dancing. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.
If you're a fan of beef and broccoli, then you'll love this Chinese version of the classic dish. Tender strips of beef are cooked with broccoli florets and a savory sauce made with oyster sauce and cornstarch. This dish is great for adding some extra protein to your meal and can be easily made alongside your beer can chicken.
No Chinese meal is complete without a side of fried rice. This simple and delicious dish is made with rice, eggs, and a variety of vegetables for a flavorful and filling side. You can also add some diced chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal alongside your beer can chicken.
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Chinese Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced
If you want to switch things up from the traditional whole chicken on the beer can, try making Chinese Chicken Thighs instead. These juicy and flavorful thighs are marinated in a hoisin sauce and sweet chili sauce before being grilled to perfection. Serve them alongside some steamed rice and vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
This classic Chinese dish is a staple in many households. Tender chicken is stir-fried with broccoli florets and a savory garlic sauce for a simple yet satisfying meal. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a hearty and delicious dinner.
For a light and comforting appetizer to go with your beer can chicken, try making Chinese Egg Drop Soup. This simple soup is made with chicken broth, eggs, and green onions, and can be ready in just 10 minutes. It's the perfect way to start off your meal.
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Classic Pork Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout favorite
Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Honey, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce
For a classic Chinese takeout favorite, try making Pork Fried Rice to go with your beer can chicken. This dish is made with pork, rice, and a variety of vegetables, all stir-fried together with a savory sauce. It's a great way to use up any leftovers from your beer can chicken and make a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Egg Fried Rice - An Easy Chinese
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Large Eggs, Paprika, Turmeric, Oil, Medium
If you're looking for a quick and easy side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, try making Egg Fried Rice. This dish is made with eggs, rice, and a variety of vegetables for a simple yet flavorful side. You can also add some diced chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
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Fried Chicken Wings, Chinese Takeout Style
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Garlic
No Chinese meal is complete without some delicious fried chicken wings. These crispy and flavorful wings are marinated in a soy sauce and garlic mixture before being fried to perfection. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a finger-licking good meal.
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Chinese Broccoli Beef
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Soy Sauce, Cornstarch, Freshly Ground
If you love beef and broccoli, but want to switch things up a bit, try making Chinese Broccoli Beef. This dish is made with beef strips, broccoli florets, and a savory sauce made with oyster sauce and cornstarch. It's a delicious and easy way to add some variety to your beer can chicken dinner.
No Chinese meal is complete without some crispy and delicious egg rolls. These homemade egg rolls are filled with a mixture of pork, cabbage, and carrots, and can be easily made at home. Serve them as an appetizer alongside your beer can chicken for a perfect combination of flavors.
For a flavorful and tender meat to pair with your beer can chicken, try making Chinese BBQ Pork. This dish is made with pork tenderloin marinated in a hoisin sauce and Chinese five-spice mixture, giving it a sweet and savory flavor. Serve it alongside some steamed rice and vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
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Classic Beef Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Salt, Water, Baking Soda, Dark Soy Sauce
Beef Fried Rice is a classic Chinese takeout favorite that is easy to make at home. This dish is made with beef, rice, and a variety of vegetables, all stir-fried together with a flavorful sauce. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.
For a quick and easy dinner to pair with your beer can chicken, try making Chinese Chicken Stir Fry. This dish is made with chicken breast, vegetables, and a savory sauce, all stir-fried together for a delicious and healthy meal. Serve it over some steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Sweet and Sour Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that is loved by many. Tender pieces of chicken are coated in a sweet and tangy sauce made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and vinegar. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
If you love seafood, then you'll love these Chinese Honey Prawns. These succulent prawns are coated in a sweet honey sauce and stir-fried with vegetables, creating a flavorful and healthy dish. Serve it alongside some steamed rice and your beer can chicken for a delicious and well-rounded meal.
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Chinese Eggplant with Spicy Garlic Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Eggplant, Garlic, Red Chile Pepper, Fresh
For a vegetarian option to go with your beer can chicken, try making Chinese Eggplant with Spicy Garlic Sauce. This dish is made with eggplant and a spicy garlic sauce, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. Serve it alongside some steamed rice for a delicious and well-balanced dinner.
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Daddy Wu’s Chinese Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Dry Sherry, Oyster
If you're looking for a unique and delicious chicken recipe to pair with your beer can chicken, try making Daddy Wu's Chinese Chicken. This dish is made with chicken thighs marinated in a ginger soy sauce and grilled to perfection. Serve it alongside some steamed rice and vegetables for a tasty and satisfying meal.
The History of Chinese Gau
The origins of Chinese gau can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). It was originally made with glutinous rice flour, water, and sugar, and was molded into different shapes and sizes. Over time, the recipe evolved and additional ingredients such as red bean paste, coconut milk, and pandan extract were added to enhance the flavor and texture.
During Chinese New Year, gau is a staple dessert on the dinner table. It symbolizes prosperity, good fortune, and unity within the family. It is believed that the soft and sticky texture of Chinese gau represents a smooth and prosperous year ahead, while the round shape symbolizes unity and togetherness.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make Chinese gau, you will need glutinous rice flour, sugar, water, and a steamer. The ratio of glutinous rice flour to water is crucial in achieving the right texture. Too much water will result in a watery and grainy gau, while too little water will make it hard and dry.
The preparation process involves mixing the glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water together until a smooth batter is formed. The batter is then steamed for about 30 minutes until it becomes firm and slightly translucent. It is important to use a steamer with a lid to prevent water from dripping onto the gau, which can affect its texture.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
While the traditional Chinese gau is made with only a few ingredients, there are now many variations of the recipe. Some popular variations include adding red bean paste, taro, or coconut milk to the batter. These additions give a unique flavor and color to the gau.
Chinese gau can be served as a dessert or as a snack. It can be enjoyed on its own or with toppings such as grated coconut or sesame seeds. It can also be paired with a cup of hot tea or milk for a perfect combination.
In conclusion, Chinese gau is more than just a dessert; it is a representation of Chinese culture and traditions. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet, Chinese gau is a must-try dish. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can now make it at home and experience the deliciousness of this classic Chinese dessert.
